The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1887-10-14
SETH'S ELEPHANT.
How He Found It---A Sketch
With q Moral.

Seth Applebee was one of the smart
est young men in Pumpton. At the
age of eight-and-twenty he had estab-
lished himself in business. Before that
he had been clerk and salesman in the
principal store of the town. common
country store. keeping for sale about
every thing the housekeeper or farmer
can need to purchase; and the store
which he had opened, on his own hook,
was of the same character. An aged
aunt had done much toward helping
him in the outset, SO that he might be-
gin business with his head above board.
"There, Seth; take that, and make
the very best use of it you cam" the
good old lady said, at the same time
giving to her nephew check for a
large amount-large for her; and large
for him-a check of four figures. and
the first figure was not one. "You
are going to New York to purchase
.good?"
sYes. aunt, wish to make my own
selection. And, further. to tell the
truth, l want to see the elephant.
Don't be alarmed. He's a very inno-
cent animal, l assure you. Iuse the
term figuratively, simply meaning that
will see few of the sights as my own
master, with nobody at my elbow to
tell me what 1 must do, or where l
must go. l fancy it will be rather
pleasant"
''Seth, you will take care of your
self You will not allow your feet to
stray into any of the snares and pit
falls which evil-minded men are ever
ready to set and dig for the unwary.
You will be careful"
You bet! Aunt Patience, you're a
trump; and 1 know you mean well.
You would d, any thing for me, l do
believe; and l can't wonder that. you
should feel bit anxious; but don't you
worry-not one bit Dear aunty, let
me tell you / have cut my eye-teeth.
The man that can raise a hand on me
isn't up and about, not quite yet.
"What dye mean. Seth, by 'raisin' a
hand on you?'
go, that is technical term. aunt,
signifying to take one into pull wool
over ones eyes; but do you be perfect
ly easy"
From this it will be seen that Seth
had travelled somewhat outside the
boundary Of his Sabbath-school; and,
whether he had associated with sport
ing characters, or not, their language
had become familiar to him. One 9TH
er thing will be seen: If Seth was
smart, nobody had firmer faith in the
fact than he had himself.
On Monday morning, bright and
carly. Seth looked to be sure that his
check was safe in his pocket-book; then
he took out the bank-notes that lay in
another parting, and ran them over. to
make sure that all was right. Eight
hundred dollars. That was the sum
he had put in there on Saturday, and he
found it intact. The book was put
away in a deep breast-pocket of his
vest, and battoned snugly up. His
money for current expenses he carried
in small wallet, in pocket of his
pants. He was too old bird-had cut
too much eye-tooth-to expose a large
amount of money in public or on the
road.
Seth Applebee landed in New York,
on the North river side, just at close OF
day. and taking his light grip-sack in
his hand. he shouldered and elbowed
the swarming Jehus out of his path,
and made his way on foot to the hotel
where he had stopped two years before,
while on visit to the city with his EN-.
lloyer.
His memory was good, and he had
no trouble. The house was Just as he
had last seen it. and the genial landlord
received him most kindly. In fact,
Seth fancied the man was specially
glad to see him. He evidently remem.
bercd him, and was proud Of his pat.
ronage. If he was not. then his every
word and act belied him.
Seth took the key of his room. and
went up with porter to the fifth floor.
1t was very high up; but what view
he would have in the morning!
After supper Seth sat down and tool
up an evening paper. He thought he
would look for the places of amuse-
ment within easy reach. He was thus
engaged when he became aware that
somebody had come up and stopped
directly in front of him. He looked
up. and saw neatly dressed. business
looking man. of middle age, with face
winsome and handsome. The two
eyes, from behind pair of gold.
trimmed glasses, looked at him sweetly
with warm. kindly smile playing
around them.
IAN addressing Mr.. Applebee, Of
Pumpton?"
Seth did not intend to be imposed
upon. Not he! He would have nc
sharpers picking him up.
THAT'S my name. sir" he replied
crisply, giving the man cool. almost
a contemptuous look.
Il was sure of it." the gentleman
went on, taking no notice of the in
tended repulse. ':And / am sure o